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5 Ways to Effectively Winterize Your Home in Chicago

Winter weather may look nice, but the blustering winds, heavy snow, and dense ice can also damage your home. We’ve identified 5 key areas in particular that need special attention and preventative maintenance so that you can officially winterize your home.

Insulation – a well-insulated home will retain its heat and keep energy costs low. Holes in the roof can allow natural elements to damage your insulation, so make sure to have your roof and insulation regularly inspected, and also be sure have at least a foot of insulation in your attic.

Siding – whether its brick, metal, wood, or cement, your siding is the first line of defense against the elements and your home. If you live in the Chicagoland area, then specially engineered wood or cement sidings might prove to be the most weather-resistant. Ask a professional which siding is best to winterize your home.

Gutters – when snow melts into ice and expands in your gutters, it can cause heavy damage. Be sure to keep your gutters clean of debris, which will prevent water from damming and turning into ice.

Furnace – when it comes to winterizing your home, most people don’t consider the importance of maintaining the furnace. Choosing an energy-efficient furnace (look for the Energy Star label) can pay for itself over the years, and having it regularly maintained will only add to the savings. A poorly-kept furnace, on the other hand, will not heat your home properly, and actually will cost you more in the long run.

Air leaks – whether it’s in your attic, around your windows, or the sides your doors, gaps in your home’s infrastructure are unnecessary and let cold air into your home. Plugging these gaps with weather stripping or caulking is a great way to further winterize your home and cut down on energy costs.